We’ve officially booked.  It’s just one piece but it feels great. It’s official!

Our first stop? Auckland, New Zealand.

Originally we planned on going to Chile, but have you ever really looked at Chile?  That place is LONG.  It’s a very diverse country with must-see locations from top to bottom and we just couldn’t come up with a plan that allowed us to work and also feel like we did it justice.  Chile has been shelved for future vacation.  It’s going to happen, just not in 2017.

Auckland came to be because there is no denying the beauty and appeal of New Zealand.  Also, it’s extremely far away and don’t know if we’ll be up to such a long term adventure in the future.  Since we plan on staying a month in each location it feels like a more sufficient amount of time to explore all the gorgeous landscape we’ve been drooling over on Instagram.  Okay full disclosure, that’s mostly me on Instagram, but whatever I show Kevin he agrees, it’s a remarkable country.   Plus, it allows us very easy access to our next stop.

Month 2 will be in Sydney, Australia.

We’re just as excited about this spot.  Australia always seemed so exotic.  As a child it was the most far away place I could imagine of traveling to.

Our 3rd month is still TBD but it’s looking like Barcelona, Spain.  Seems like anyone who has been to Barcelona doesn’t hesitate to say “I LOVE Barcelona” as soon as someone brings it up.  We know several of those Barcelona lovers, so with all those endorsements we couldn’t skip it.

If anybody out there has been to Auckland or Sydney, we would absolutely love to hear about your experience.   Any recommendations for day trips? Spots for a good sunset view?  Best meal while you were there?  We’d love to hear any and all suggestions.